Island hopping in Southeast Asia is a tropical paradise made up of thousands of islands, each offering its unique charm, landscapes, and cultural experiences.
From Thailand’s bustling beaches to Indonesia’s serene coves, island hopping in this region is a must-do for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and diversity in one journey.
Thailand: The Andaman and Gulf Coast Jewels
Thailand’s southern coastlines are among the most popular starting points for island hopping. In the Andaman Sea, islands like Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta draw travelers with their white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and vibrant nightlife.
Longtail boats and ferries offer easy connections between islands, allowing visitors to explore snorkeling spots, hidden lagoons, and beach bars all within a single trip.
On the eastern side of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao provide a different vibe. Koh Samui offers luxury resorts and wellness retreats, Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Parties, and Koh Tao is renowned for affordable scuba diving certification and crystal-clear waters.
Many travel blogs and platforms offer in-depth reviews of these islands to help visitors choose the right itinerary.
Philippines: A Nation of 7,000+ Islands
The Philippines is a dream destination for island hoppers. Its topography offers a blend of volcanoes, coral reefs, sandbars, and lagoons. Palawan, often called the “last frontier,” is a favorite, especially the towns of El Nido and Coron. Travelers can take boat tours to explore Bacuit Archipelago, where karst cliffs rise from turquoise waters, and snorkel in coral-filled lagoons.
Further south, Cebu and Bohol offer their island networks. From Cebu, you can jump to Malapascua for thresher shark diving or Bantayan for a laid-back beach stay. Meanwhile, Panglao Island off Bohol is great for dolphin watching and scuba diving.
Phu Quoc and nearby islands, now a part of popular remote work itineraries, also tie into the growing trend of digital nomadism in Southeast Asia. These islands provide not only beautiful landscapes but also coworking hubs and affordable accommodations.
Indonesia: Beyond Bali
While Bali is the most famous Indonesian island, island hopping reveals the richness of the archipelago. Just east of Bali, the Nusa Islands—Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida—offer a quieter, more rugged experience. Nusa Penida, in particular, is known for dramatic cliffs and the iconic Kelingking Beach.
To the west, the Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are ideal for those seeking car-free islands with strong marine life. These islands are accessible from both Bali and Lombok, another island known for its hiking trails and uncrowded beaches.
For a more remote adventure, travelers can take liveaboard boat trips through the Komodo National Park, where they can spot the legendary Komodo dragons and snorkel with manta rays.
Malaysia: Tropical Variety in Peninsular and Borneo
Malaysia offers a range of island-hopping options both on its west coast and in Borneo. Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands, is popular for its cable cars, sky bridge, and family-friendly beaches. Ferries can take visitors to nearby islets for kayaking, snorkeling, and jungle treks.
On the east coast, Perhentian Islands, Redang, and Tioman offer rich coral reefs and budget-friendly accommodations. These islands are more seasonal, best visited between March and October to avoid the monsoon.
In Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is a world-class diving destination. While the island itself has restricted access, nearby Mabul and Kapalai serve as bases for exploring the area’s rich underwater biodiversity.
Travelers interested in lesser-known options might explore Brunei Darussalam, a small yet culturally rich nation on Borneo that offers access to mangrove tours and coastal reserves.
Vietnam and Cambodia: Emerging Island Scenes
While not traditionally known for island tourism, Vietnam and Cambodia are quickly becoming part of the island-hopping circuit. Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s largest island, is now a growing beach destination with resorts, coral reefs, and inland forests.
Nearby smaller islands such as Hon Thom and Hon Xuong are reachable by boat and offer a peaceful escape.
Cambodia’s Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem boast white sand beaches, jungle interiors, and a laid-back backpacker atmosphere. Speedboats from Sihanoukville make it easy to hop between these islands, combining rustic charm with modern comforts.
